This simple statement says so much and I raise it here out of concern that what is given to Sierra Leone and how it is given is at risk of becoming a prescribed item.

The developments needed in Sierra Leone and much of Africa will come from multi-faceted, multi-pronged and multi-lateral approaches to the problems and issues at hand.  However, whatever the issues and their gravity, it is crucial that there is acceptance of differences in opinion and ability.

As much as material contribution matters, the sustainment of developmental gains will need attitudinal changes that can only be achieved through education which includes debates as in various forums.  Furthermore, the suggestion that “being on the ground” is the critical determinant of potential to make a difference is naive, ill-informed and simplistic and should therefore not be allowed to creep into respectability.  Indeed, the evidence from various postings and suggestions is that propagating the theory that only those out of the country can make a difference only seems to fuel (excuse my language) the “pissing contest” that is everyone announcing their individual acts of kindness and compassion.

The revolutions that have emancipated peoples in various parts of the world through the ages have required various types of input. What would be difficult to find is real change that has come out of purely physical effort and presence.  There has always been input from thinkers who, through discussion and even preaching, helped people realise things could be better and should be better.  This in turn led to dreams of better, then the push for better and the delivery of better.  It goes without saying that once the ideas were nurtured there was a need for physical effort and physical presence.  However, it has always been important that the thinking doesn’t stop for it is the case that changing times and circumstances will require changing effort and focus – and only engaging the old grey matter will allow the continued relevance of the efforts thrown into the pot.

I must express concern on behalf of the many that do not make their presence felt on the ground because their absence is crucial to the sustenance of many of those on the ground. Yes, many “diasporans” cannot just pack, fly in and make their presence known.  Too many mouths depend on them staying where they are.

I think it is time for a maturity that accepts people for their ability and situations.  Seeking to judge all those who do not do what you do or have what you have helps no one.  Let us take “from each according to his ability” and give “to each according to his need”.